We're entering what I fondly call the Vitamin D days of winter. To compensate for the sun's scant presence, I always treat myself to massive doses of color.

Far From Half-Pint

The prescribing doctor for my color therapy is Ellen Minard, owner of Ellen's 1/2-Pint Farm. She hand-paints skein after skein of yarn from her farmhouse kitchen in rural Vermont.

For years you could only get her yarns at festivals and shows. But today, thanks to online ordering, you can treat yourself to a dose of Ellen any time of the year. I review her hand-painted mohair this week.

This 100% volunteer non-profit organization was founded in 1995 by Karen Loucks. Its mission is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth, and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need.

How does Project Linus accomplish this? By giving these children new, hand-made blankets and afghans lovingly created by volunteer blanketeers. Since September 11th alone, Project Linus has distributed more than 10,000 blankets.

To find chapter information, patterns, and additional information on how you can help, visit the Project Linus Web site.